Newcastle Falcons sign Matavesi brothers

Newcastle Falcons' recruitment plans for next season have advanced with the news that Fijian international Josh Matavesi and younger brother Joel have both signed for the club.
Josh, 26, is a 17-times-capped centre who was born and raised in Cornwall, where his father Sireli came to live after visiting with the Fiji Barbarians on a tour to the UK in the 1980s.
Part of the Ospreys side which defeated Newcastle Falcons in the European Challenge Cup last month, Josh will move to the North East following the end of the current season.
Joel, 21, is a fly-half who has also spent time with the Ospreys, the English-qualified former Exeter Chiefs academy player currently representing Redruth in National Two South ahead of his summer switch.
Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Josh is a proven and versatile performer who fits our style of play and can go well in a number of positions, such as centre and fly-half.
“I am sure our supporters will enjoy his flair and the impact he can make on the game, and then in Joel we have a very promising young talent who is looking to make the step up. It all points to very exciting times when we look at how the squad is coming together for next season.”
Josh said: “I am really excited about moving to Newcastle and the vision Dean Richards has for the club. That's what really sold it for me, the fact they are looking to play a very positive style of rugby with good players and good coaching.
“Working with Dave Walder as backs and attack coach is another big draw, and the fact they are employing an expansive offloading game. I was up at Newcastle with Ospreys only a few weeks ago to see everything first hand, and it's exciting to think about playing with top guys like Juan Pablo Socino and Maxime Mermoz, to name just a couple.
“I have tapped into the Pacific islands network and spoken to people like Vereniki Goneva and Nili Latu about the prospect of coming to Newcastle. They were all really positive about the club and the city, so it's exciting times all round.
“But between now and then I am determined to finish the season on a high for Ospreys, with some crucial games coming up. I have loved my time there, and really developed as a person and player. Working with guys like Alun Wyn Jones has been fantastic and I hope to be able to sign off on a really positive note by helping them achieve all their ambitions between now and the end of the season.”
On the prospect of brother Joel joining him on Tyneside, he added: “He's a good player and a big unit. He could be taking my spot in the team so I have to be careful, but he is finishing the season down at Redruth and I'm making sure he's in great shape for the start of pre-season.
“He spent some time at Ospreys but was unlucky to get cut with not being Welsh-qualified. Hopefully the fact I am here with him will help get the best out of him, but he is definitely a big talent and it will be great to share this experience together.”